Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 29) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya was killed in a military operation Friday night in Indanan, Sulu.
In a statement, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año said Philippine Marine units killed Misaya, “who is considered to be one of the most notorious kidnappers in southern Philippines.”
According to a military report, the sub-leader’s body was brought to a military hospital for proper disposition.
Año added that focused military operations are ongoing in other areas as well, targeting local terrorist groups.
Misaya was a Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf leader who led other members in kidnapping several foreigners and locals within the region.
He was also a bomb expert for the terrorist group, having been involved in the 2002 Malagutay bombing that killed a United States serviceman and wounded 23 others.
Misaya was also involved in other terrorist attacks in Sulu, including the bombing of Salaam Bridge in 2009, and a coffee shop in 2011, which killed four civilians.
Meanwhile, in a statement by Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, Malacañang called on citizens “to remain vigilant, alert, and watchful in cooperating with security forces to end the menace of this bandit group; as government holds them accountable for their brutal and senseless crimes.”
Earlier, Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Rami was killed in a firefight in Bohol, where 2 remaining bandits are still being pursued by government forces.
CNN Philippines’ Ver Marcelo and Liza Jocson contributed to this report.
